Gas Emission and Carbon Sink
Our Projects
Project Lead
Dr. Francisco Artigas
Problem
Due to climate change and restricted tidal flow from sea walls and dikes planned as part of a resilience project, increased emissions of CH4 and N2O may occur. These factors along with the limited amount of fresh water flowing into the estuary from the upper Hackensack would then offset the reduction in radiative forcing currently attributed to carbon sequestration.
Objective
To measure the emissions of CH4 and N2O across salinity gradient and marshland surface types. Also, measure the CO2 emissions and sequestration potential of these same surface types.
Strategy
CO2 flux between three marsh surface types and the atmosphere will be measured using eddy covariance methods and the emissions of CH4 and N20 will be determined using static flux chambers from the same surface types and across a salinity gradient. Pore water samples will be taken to measure SO42-, NO3-, NO2-, NH4+, salinity, pH, and total organic carbon (TOC) in every location where gas emissions are measured. To determine tidal influence on CO2 fluxes, water elevation will be continuously measured near sampling sites.
Deliverables
- Measurement of the seasonal amounts of CH4, N2O emitted from three marsh surface types (i.e. mudflat, low, and high marsh) along a salinity gradient. Measurement of CO2 fluxes from the same surface types at intermediate salinity.
- A better understanding of natural greenhouse gas emissions from coastal wetlands
